It isn’t uncommon for household drains to become clogged as debris builds up with use. Not only can this be very frustrating and inconvenient, but it could also lead to bigger plumbing issues if not addressed in the right way. The good news is that there are several ways you can address a clogged drain at home.

For tougher cases where at-home methods aren’t effective, turn to our team of experts for professional drain cleaning services. We provide reliable drain cleaning services in Virginia, as well as plumbing maintenance and repairs, to address all of your plumbing needs.

Number 1: How to Unclog a Drain with Baking Soda

One of the most common ways to address a backed-up drain is with the baking soda method, where baking soda and white vinegar create a chemical reaction to help dislodge debris in your drain.

To use this method, simply pour about a 1/2 cup of baking soda into the clogged drain and slowly pour an equal amount of white vinegar over the top. Plug or cover the drain with a cloth to keep the reaction moving down the pipe. The mixture will slowly begin to bubble and go down the drain. Allow the mixture to stay in the drain for 15 to 20 minutes, and then pour very hot water down the drain.

You may need to do this a second time for very stubborn clogs. However, be careful, as the baking soda method can make a clogged drain worse if used when a more invasive method is necessary.

Keep in mind that this baking soda and vinegar solution can be quite harsh on certain types of pipes, so it shouldn’t be overused. You should also make sure you’re not using boiling water, as this can damage pipes.

Number 2: How to Unclog a Drain With a Plunger

Another popular method to address a clogged drain is with a plunger. This is a relatively uninvasive and gentle option that doesn’t require any type of chemical reaction to remove the debris. To use a plunger:

• Remove the drain stopper or strainer.
• Add 2 to 3 inches of water to the sink or bathtub.
• Apply petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger cup and cover the drain hole with the cup.
• Work the plunger handle up and down repeatedly for 15 to 30 seconds.

For significant clogs, you may need to use a plunger for a few minutes to completely dislodge debris. You will know that the plunger is working if the water in the sink or bathtub starts to go down the drain.

Number 3: How to Unclog a Drain With a Snake

If you’re dealing with a significant clog, you may have to resort to more extreme cleaning methods, such as using a snake. A manual hand snake is a common plumbing tool used to dislodge large plumbing obstructions that haven’t been resolved with other methods.

Here’s a step-by-step example of how you can unclog a drain with a snake:

• Remove the strainer or stopper and insert the snake into the drain.
• Twist the snake and push down as far as possible so that it grabs onto the debris in the drain.
• Once you feel that the snake has hooked the debris, pull the drain up and flush with water to see if the drain is clear.

Although effective, the snake method isn’t usually necessary unless the clog is further down the drain and out of reach.

It’s important to remember that a snake is an invasive way of cleaning a drain and could possibly result in damage if not used correctly. Because of this, if you aren’t comfortable or familiar with this method, it may be best to outsource your drain cleaning needs to a professional.

Number 4: How to Unclog a Drain With Pliers

Sometimes clogged drains are very close to the surface, making them easier to resolve on your own without needing the help of a plumber. For these types of clogs, you can use pliers to grasp onto the debris and remove it from the drain. 

The first thing you need to do is to choose the right pliers, as not just any will work. It is recommended that you use needle nose or bent pliers, as these are easier to handle and can easily fit in the drain without causing damage.

The plier method is usually only possible if the clog is clearly visible, as the pliers will not be able to reach very far down the drain. Also, pliers are best if the clog is a solid mass, such as a ball of hair.

Number 5: How to Unclog a Drain With Enzymatic Drain Cleaners

There are a variety of household things that can result in clogged drains, such as food particles, grease, soap scum, and hair. No matter what type of clog you’re dealing with, a chemical-free option you can choose is an enzymatic drain cleaner. These types of cleaners use enzymes instead of harsh chemicals to break down the source of the clog.

Every enzymatic drain cleaner will be a bit different, so you will need to read the instructions and proceed accordingly. However, for most enzymatic cleaners, you will need to pour the solution down the drain and leave it for several hours or overnight for the clog to break down.

Although effective, an enzymatic drain cleaner should only be used for drain maintenance or minor clogs as they aren’t harsh enough to dislodge severe clogs.

When to Call the Professionals at Plumber Near Me

If none of the above drain cleaning methods have worked, or if you prefer a professional hand, it may be time to reach out to the experts at Plumber Near Me.

Here are some of the reasons why residents in the Richmond, VA, area trust Plumber Near Me:

• 24/7 emergency plumbing service
• Comprehensive drain maintenance and cleaning
• Licensed plumbers serving all of Virginia
• Full-service plumbing

So, if you have a persistent clogged drain that you can’t fix on your own, schedule an appointment today with Plumber Near Me by filling out our online form or calling us directly at 804-840-6896.